Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

Registration – Adding or Dropping Classes

How do I register for classes?

Freshman and students with PIN numbers on their accounts will have to meet with their advisor during the registration period to get their PINs before they can register for classes. Students may register for classes by logging into myPNW and clicking on either “Register Now” or “Register for Classes” (formerly Add/Drop Classes) on the Registration tab. Click here for the latest directions on how to register for classes online. All students should consult their academic advisor for questions regarding course selection to stay on track for graduation.

When will schedules be available for upcoming semesters?

Typically class schedules are published online two weeks prior to the first day of registration for upcoming semesters. Students are encouraged to review the schedule so they can register promptly and get the class days and times that will work best for them. Some courses fill quickly!

How can I see the course days/times and locations that I’ve registered for?

You can view your class schedule in the Registration tab in myPNW as soon as you are registered for a course. However, rooms are subject to change. For this reason you should check your schedule just prior to the beginning of the semester to ensure you know where you need to be on the first day of class. Click on “View Your Schedule” in the Registration Shortcuts box.

How do I drop or add a class after the semester has started?

You will need to submit a completed Drop/Add card to the Registrar’s Office. If it is after Late Registration, you will need additional signatures to add a course to your schedule.

How do I withdraw from all of my courses?

You will need to come in and pick up a Request to Withdraw From All Classesfrom the Registrar’s Office. Dropping all courses is a serious matter and as a result this form will need approval by multiple areas. After the form is completed and approved you will be provided a copy for your records. This form is only available in person.

When do I need my advisor’s and instructor’s signatures to drop a course?

After the first week of classes, you should always get your advisor’s signature. After the fourth week of the semester, if you are above a freshman status (having completed 30 credit hours or more), you should get in addition to your advisor’s signature, your instructor’s signature and the instructor’s indication of a “W” or “WF” grade.

Will I get a refund if I drop my class?

Perhaps, however, there are many factors to be considered regarding refunds. Please see the refund schedule for details.

How do I use my GI Bill or other VA benefits?

First, let us take this opportunity to thank you for your service. Information on what steps you will need to take in order to use your benefits can be found on the Veterans Enrollment Certification web page.

Enrollment and Academic Standing

I need an Enrollment Verification for insurance/work/other, where do I need to go?

Westville Campus:

Enrollment Verification Certificates can be obtained 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by logging in to your myPNW portal, clicking on the Student Banner tab, and selecting Enrollment Verification under the Student Shortcuts menu.

Hammond Campus:

Students may complete the online Request for Verification. If you have an external form that you need completed as part of the enrollment verification, please attach the form to your request. Enrollment Verification Request forms are also available to fill out in person in the Enrollment Services Center in Lawshe Hall, Room 130.

Enrollment Verifications can be picked up in the Enrollment Services Center after 10 a.m. on the next business day. Verifications will be mailed out to students ONLY if they provide a self-addressed envelope.

For further information, please contact the Office of the Registrar at (219) 989-2210.

What is FERPA and Proxy Access?

The Federal Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a Federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. The law applies to all schools that receive funds under an applicable program of the U.S. Department of Education. Under the pervue of FERPA the institution is required to safeguard your academic record. This means that we cannot share it with a third party without your consent. However, it may, in some cases be necessary or prudent for you to have a third party representative be able to communicate with us on your behalf. For this reason Purdue Northwest has instituted Proxy Access. In short this allows the student to grant access to their information to a third party (parent, spouse, SSDP, etc.).

What is considered in Good Academic Standing?

Students must maintain a minimum 2.0 semester and cumulative GPA to remain in Good Academic Standing. A student will be placed on Academic Probation if either semester or cumulative GPA at the end of any fall or spring semester is less than 2.0. Refer to the Academic Standing Policies for more information. To see your academic standing, log into myPNW and click on View Student Profile in the Academics Shortcut box on the Academic tab. Academic standing is displayed above the Student Information area along with your overall hours earned and GPA.

I’ve been academically dismissed from Purdue, what now?

Once you have been academically dismissed from a Purdue campus you must wait one full fall or spring semester before you can be readmitted. If it is your second time being dismissed you must wait one calendar year. In either case, you will need to fill out an Application for Readmission and submit it to the Office of the Registrar by the deadline for the session you are trying to be readmitted. Currently the Readmission Application Fee is $100 (subject to change). You will also need to do a Financial Aid appeal because being academically dismissed makes you ineligible for financial aid. This application is only available in person.

Graduation

How do I know if everything is in order for me to graduate this semester?

Students are encouraged to meet with their academic advisor to review their program requirements. Candidates for graduation must submit their Intent to Graduate when they register for their final courses. See Graduation and Commencement for more details about declaring your intent to graduate and participating in a commencement ceremony.

If you have declared yourself to be a degree candidate and it is determined that you have not met all of your requirements, you will receive a letter from the Registrar notifying you that you are not eligible to graduate. You will only be notified if you lack requirements for graduation.

What will my Purdue Northwest diploma say?

The diplomas will indicate the degree is awarded at Purdue Northwest in the state of Indiana.

How do I get an official copy of my academic transcript? Is there a fee?